On 27 September 2023, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Information, Mr. Thanawat Sirikul, hosted a luncheon at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to extend a warm welcome to a distinguished delegation from the Lao PDR. This delegation, comprising members of the press and representatives from the National Media Council of the Lao PDR, is visiting  Thailand from 27 to 28 September 2023, as part of their preparation for chairing ASEAN in the upcoming year.  

Thailand shared its experience and best practices in how to best facilitate media and how to manage messaging and communication as host of APEC2022, while also identifying the unique opportunities that presented itself to promote Thailand’s soft power during APEC2022.    

Furthermore, both parties had a useful exchange on common topics of interest, including possible challenges for ASEAN2024 chairmanship and issues that are of keen interest to interntional media, including those pertaining to the ASEAN Framework and international politics. The Lao PDR also took this opportunity to share updates on its preparations for ASEAN2024 and expressed their readiness and commitment to fulfill the demanding role of ASEAN Chair in the upcoming year.

In this regard, Thailand reaffirmed its commitment to extend full support to the Lao PDR in assuming its critical role as ASEAN Chair next year. Both parties also further explored potential future cooperation in the realm of mass media and communication.